Healthcare
Germany — Healthcare: Emergency Numbers
Germany has two key medical contact numbers: 112 for life-threatening emergencies (ambulance and fire services, free, available nationwide), and 116117 for urgent but non-life-threatening care, which connects to the Terminservicestellen (appointment booking platforms) operated 24/7 by health insurance provider associations to help find available doctors/care.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceBundesportal (Federal Administration Portal)Last reviewed: 2026-07-20
Key facts
- 112: life-threatening emergencies (ambulance, fire) — free, nationwide, 24/7.
- 116117: urgent but non-life-threatening care — connects to Terminservicestellen appointment booking platforms, operated 24/7 by health insurance provider associations.
- 116117 is the correct number for finding available doctors/urgent care rather than dialing 112 for non-emergencies.
Common mistakes
- Calling 112 for non-life-threatening urgent care needs — 116117 is the correct number and avoids tying up emergency services.